Reaching a significant milestone of 1,000 episodes, the "NCIS" franchise is celebrating its enduring success. Actor Wilmer Valderrama, a star of "NCIS," attributes the show's longevity to its ability to consistently deliver captivating storylines that keep viewers engaged.
Known for its thrilling investigations and committed teams, the "NCIS" series and its spinoffs have solidified their place as a pillar of television drama. Valderrama acknowledges the essential groundwork laid by the original "NCIS" cast, especially actor Mark Harmon, in propelling the show from a few episodes on "JAG" to a standalone hit.
Reflecting on the journey, Valderrama expressed, "I mean, it's crazy to be at the tail end of that, you know, the last half of that, right? You got to kind of pay tribute to the original cast who started this thing. A thousand episodes later, and it's not slowing down."
In the monumental 1,000th episode, the entire NCIS family faces a threat. Valderrama's character, special agent Nick Torres, assumes a pivotal role in this special episode, highlighting the show's core value of safeguarding those in service.
"This show has truly become a homage to the men and women who wear that uniform," remarked Valderrama.
Celebrating a significant milestone, Valderrama's journey to success is not only marked by his role in "NCIS" but also by his upcoming memoir, "An American Story." In this memoir, he delves into the sacrifices made by his family and reflects on the path that led him to where he is today.
Looking back on his childhood and the efforts that shaped his present life, Valderrama expressed gratitude for his parents' sacrifices. "Reliving your parents' sacrifice as an adult is something we've never took pause and looked back to. When I saw like everything my mother went through ... reliving that sacrifice made me really humbled. What it took to get me to where I am," he shared.
Scheduled for release on Sept. 17, the memoir serves as a tribute to the realization of his dreams against all odds.
Don't miss the milestone episode of "NCIS" airing on Monday, April 15, on CBS and Paramount+.
